MELISSA: There was an access issue at Lollapalooza in Chicago. This is a musical festival that is packed with many performances for one whole weekend in Chicago. Here’s what happened – during that weekend, I went there to see a variety of bands including my favorite, “Pearl Jam.” That is one of the main reasons why I attended. It is interesting to see how they set up at that music festival. It is not like a regular concert when you buy a ticket, there will be a seat reserved. Sometimes, there will be an interpreter there – its designs. The one in Chicago is standing room alone – no assigned seats. First come first serve. I went there and knew they will have an interpreter there, but there is no designated area for Deaf people to see the interpreter and performance at the same time. There was none. Obviously, there was a miscommunication. Tough. Their attitude was awful. We tried our best to resolve the issue, but to no available.

MELISSA: I met one Deaf person at the Pearl Jam…Jake, also known as Jacob Hickey. He is also from Chicago. We were frustrated that we were unable to see the interpreter and discussed with the people who ran the festival. Our attempt at resolving failed. We looked and found a lawyer. We were lucky that Jake lives in Chicago and got in touch with a Deaf lawyer. Who is he? Howard Rosenblum. You should know who he is as he is the new NAD’s CEO. Jake explained to Howard to take the case. Howard took a look at the case and was willing to take it but mentioned that it will be tough. Under the ADA laws, they already are providing an interpreter. That’s good enough. If more than that such as not being able to see the interpreters… that is it.

MELISSA: We three kept on fighting. Howard dealt with Lollapalooza’s lawyer as well the people who ran the festival. Lollapalooza is under C3 Presents. Finally, in 2008 they designed an area in front of the stage for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to see the interpreter clearly. We were able to watch the performance and interpreter at the same time. Perfect. And another issue was resolved. There is an access center for us to go to get a different colored wristband. Some of the people who worked at the center are deaf and hard of hearing who knew sign language. The communication was there! What a relief.

MELISSA: I would pick Rosa Lee Timm because if I were an actress, I would be more like her. She is not only an actress, but does other things as well. Like, showcases different talents within the Deaf community with her Kiss-Fist Magazine. Beautiful! I love it as it shows different artists, businesses, writers, and others we may not know of. I wish it was there while I was growing up. I would love to learn more about other Deaf people – artists, performers, businesses, and so forth.

MELISSA: I admit I am not a jewelry person. So, when I saw the word Pearl – immediately, I thought of a pearl necklace, all white. Pretty. I researched and I like what I found. There is more behind the word Pearl. I found that they come in different colors, shapes, are found in different parts of the ocean. I made the link with us all, twenty Deaf women. Different colors, shapes. Different shapes are what? Artists, advocates, business owners, and many others. Together, one pearl is pretty, but all together more beautiful.

MELISSA: I would nominate Jeannette Johnson, JJ, from Grand Rapids. A young woman who is politically savvy. We need more political leaders. She is an advocate for equal communication access, born deaf, knows ASL and English, does both beautifully. A perfect example to hearing parents with deaf babies. A successful young Deaf woman. A perfect example of bilingual language – English and ASL. She has done a lot for the Deaf community including being an intern at NAD last summer.